Although there are several forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the most serious type, according to MayoClinic.com. It begins when cells called melanocytes that produce pigment in your skin begin to grow out of control, forming abnormal, dark-colored growths. These abnormal cells may spread beyond the skin to involve other tissues and organs. Garlic contains natural compounds that have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent melanoma or improve the outcome for existing melanoma. Consult your doctor to discuss whether garlic is a good choice for your situation.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Melanoma most often develops on the skin of the back, legs, arms or face. The first symptom is usually appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole, which may become irregular in shape, change its color or increase in size. Although the exact cause of melanoma is not known, it is thought to involve damage to DNA in melanocytes, causing these cells to become cancerous. Risk factors for melanoma include having fair skin, a history of severe sunburn or exposure to ultraviolet light, living near the equator or having a family history of the disorder.
Garlic Properties
Practitioners of traditional medicine have recommended garlic for hundreds of years, using it to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, infection and other diseases. The flesh of the bulb is rich in antioxidants, natural chemicals that remove free radicals from your body. These molecules are byproducts of metabolism or environmental toxins that may damage cellular DNA. Garlic contains several compounds potentially responsible for its benefits, including one or more that may help fight cancers such as melanoma.
Evidence
One of the compounds in garlic, called alliin, is converted into another compound called allicin when the cloves are crushed. Allicin boosts the immune system by stimulating growth of new immune cells that have anti-tumor activity. Several laboratory studies also suggested that garlic-derived compounds may inhibit growth of melanoma cells. In one study published in 2006 in "Cancer Letters," a compound from garlic called ajoene inhibited growth of melanoma cells in culture and also suppressed spread of melanoma to other organs in laboratory animals. These are very encouraging results, although studies with human subjects are still needed.
Recommendations
Garlic supplements are available from most health food stores. Choose aged garlic extract, since it is rich in active compounds that are easily absorbed by your digestive tract. The recommended dose of garlic extract is 600 to 1,200 mg daily in divided doses. Garlic extract is considered safe and has few side effects, although it may cause bloating, stomach upset or bad breath. It may also interact with some prescription medicines, especially blood thinners and drugs used to combat HIV. Ask your doctor whether taking garlic supplements is advisable for you.
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